Hello all,
I bought my first gravel bike last summer (2024) and I biking around a lot these last months during summer and winter. I have some friends in Biel (Switzerland) who I want to visit and I also want to do a bikepacking trip in Switzerland while I am there. I found a round around Switzerland but I want to cut it in half and created my own route which you can find here:
https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/tour/2003864228?share_token=awR1Xfp4aIMBowGWfXhY5veOf8MAOqWkTUCTVcWhpySQUoc9V2&ref=wtd
An overview of the trip:
- 74h26
- 850km
- 18k altitude meters
- Timing = september – 3 weeks of holiday
Some more information on me:
- 30 years
- Very fit: biking and climbing – 3/4 times a week
- Love to be outdoors and camp and always looking for a challenge
- I have a lot of gear but I still need some extra stuff
Getting to Biel/Bienne won't be a problem and I have an HQ over there which is good to start with, but this post is about tips and advice which I need a lot especially to prepare on the hard parts. I want to enjoy it, enjoy the challenge but to it safely and with no real timing. So what is your advice on a fit, rookie who wants to bikepack Switzerland? I'll try and make it a but more conrete with following questions:
- How to organise sleeping spots? I will pack a tent and camping gear. For what temperatures should I be prepared?
- What about food / drinks? I also want to buy a water filter to be sure.
- Stuff that I really must pack, or stuff that I really shouldn't pack?
I am not worried about the physical aspect, but more the practical aspect as I tend to be well prepared when doing holidays 🙂
Thanks!
H
by Upstairs_Extent_7643
3 Comments
Hi, I live near Geneva and have toured a bit, especially the Swiss itineraries. Check out https://schweizmobil.ch/en/summer to get an idea of accommodation for example. Keep in mind that in Switzerland campsites are mainly found along the rivers/lakes. Wild camping is tolerated above the forest limits but I use campsites/hotels. Temperatures in September should still be fine for camping. Plenty of drinkable water fountains here & there and cafés are often happy to fill your bidon up for you. Public transport is ok too should you need an escape plan. Have fun.
When biking in Switzerland, it is important to pack money.
I guess you will refine that route a bit further, it looks like it is doing some excess/steep climbs for the sake of avoiding the road for a few minutes.
The climb out of Engelberg will be tough, the last section to the Jochpass especially will be a steep case of pushing/carrying the bike up (and maybe down at first too). Stunning area at least and easy going once you reach the lake.
> What about food / drinks? I also want to buy a water filter to be sure.
There will be frequent villages and restaurants. It really isn’t a wilderness.
> Timing = september
Generally September is usually still mild, but it can be hit by early snows too. In Sept 2023 I was cycling over the Sustanpass in a heatwave, in Sept 2024 I had to rethink my plans when a massive dump of snow blocked several passes for a few days.
Odds are it won’t be a problem, and there is always public transport as a backup.